We were honored to sit down with Tyrone Garner, the Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, to discuss postsecondary career options, first-generation college experiences, and his advice for local students navigating their futures.
Mayor Garner graduated from Wyandotte High School and served in the United States Army before joining the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, where he became deputy chief before retiring and running for mayor. He attended Kansas City, Kansas Community College, earned his bachelor’s degree from Mid-American Nazarene University, and ultimately received his master’s degree from Ottawa University. When asked about his favorite memory from college, Mayor Garner shared his lifelong passion for learning, stating that his favorite moment was “the dialogue and exchange of ideas that happens when you get a group of individuals together from different backgrounds and experiences.”
When we asked him what he would change about the current postsecondary landscape to improve access to education for all communities, he emphasized the need to address access to transportation, reduce the digital divide, provide more childcare options, and lower college costs. However, he identified the most significant obstacle for “black and brown kids in our communities” as the achievement gaps for young people in underserved areas. He stressed the importance of providing them with opportunities to envision themselves in various careers.
Mayor Garner strongly believes that we are doing our youth a disservice by not showing them the many paths to success. He noted that “not enough is being done to educate our young people about entrepreneurship,” advocating for teaching them how to start their own businesses so they can invest in their skills and futures.
We discussed what he would advise a young student considering a study in political science or aspiring to enter elected office, particularly regarding the meaning of community service. He stated, “At the end of the day, it’s public service. My biggest advice is that you shouldn’t enter the political arena for personal gain; it should always be about others. You must never lose sight of the fact that it’s about improving the community for those who put you in office.” He believes there is a distinct difference between being a politician and an elected official, and both should remember those who elected them. If one can make a meaningful impact on even a single person, they have made a difference. He has dedicated his career to public service, grounded in identifying problems, collaborating with others to find solutions, and implementing those solutions for community improvement.
He is passionate about sharing his experiences with others. Quoting his mother’s daily advice, he said, “Do your best, give your best, help others to be their best, and that in turn will allow you to have the best life has to offer.” He has adapted this wisdom to inspire his staff, telling them, “Give this community your best and let your best always reflect excellence in everything you do.”
In closing, we asked him to share a few words of wisdom with the young people of Wyandotte County who are contemplating their futures. He looked directly into the camera and said, “Hard work works!” Yes, Mr. Mayor, it certainly does.
